Systems and methods for hydroelectric systems

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a hydroelectric system for a low head dam can include a module including a protective housing, a turbine housing retained within the protective housing, the turbine housing including an upper inlet portion at a first end, a substantially tubular portion, and a lower outlet portion at a second end, the upper inlet portion being positioned above the lower outlet portion, a turbine retained at least partially within the turbine housing, the turbine including a plurality of blades coupled with a central shaft, and a fluid pump, the fluid pump being coupled with the central shaft, where the fluid pump is configured to pump a high pressure fluid, a fluid circuit, the fluid circuit including piping, where the high pressure fluid is retained within the piping, and a generator, the generator being coupled with the fluid circuit, where the generator is driven by the high pressure fluid that is pumped by the fluid pump in response to the rotation of the turbine.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 15/495,520, filed Apr. 24, 2017, which claims priority to U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/602,925, filed Jan. 22,2015, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/930,279 filed Jan. 22, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/059,456 filed Oct. 3, 2014, which are hereby incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the technology relate, in general, to hydroelectrictechnology, and in particular to hydroelectric systems that can be usedto generate power from low dams and other fluid sources.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be more readily understood from a detaileddescription of some example embodiments taken in conjunction with thefollowing figures:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a hydroelectric generator moduleaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective partially exploded view of thehydroelectric generator module depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a left side cross-sectional view of the hydroelectricgenerator module depicted in FIG. 1 shown adjacent a low head damaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a partial perspective view of the hydroelectric generatormodule depicted in FIG. 1 shown with embedded magnets.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a pump module according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a system of interconnected pumpmodules shown associated with a land-based generator.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a system of pump modules of FIG. 5shown interconnected in series.

BACKGROUND

Renewable energy resources are gaining global attention due to depletingfossil fuels and harmful environmental effects associated with theirusage. Hydro, wind, solar, biomass and geothermal energies form the bulkof renewable energy sources; among which hydro power may offer one ofthe more sustainable propositions. Traditionally, hydro power hasaccounted for the bulk of the renewable energy production in the UnitedStates. Low dams, also sometimes called low-head dams or weirs, arevertically oriented short dams that can be placed in water channels. LowDams can be used to maintain a minimum water depth for water supply to amunicipality. The reservoir-pool of water created by low dam is oftenused to supply cooling water for industrial applications. Coal-firedpower plants use this pool of water to condense steam back to water forreuse in the boiler. Low Dams have also been constructed to raise thewater level to a sufficient height to support recreational boating.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of a hydroelectric system for a low head dam can include amodule including a protective housing, a turbine housing retained withinthe protective housing, the turbine housing including an upper inletportion at a first end, a substantially tubular portion, and a loweroutlet portion at a second end, the upper inlet portion being positionedabove the lower outlet portion, a turbine retained at least partiallywithin the turbine housing, the turbine including a plurality of bladescoupled with a central shaft, and a fluid pump, the fluid pump beingcoupled with the central shaft, where the fluid pump is configured topump a high pressure fluid, a fluid circuit, the fluid circuit includingpiping, where the high pressure fluid is retained within the piping, anda shoreline generator, the shoreline generator being coupled with thefluid circuit, where the offsite generator is driven by the highpressure fluid that is pumped by the fluid pump in response to therotation of the turbine.

Embodiments of a method for operating a hydroelectric system can includeproviding a hydroelectric system, where the hydroelectric system caninclude a module having a protective housing, a turbine housing retainedwithin the protective housing, the turbine housing including an upperinlet portion at a first end, a substantially tubular portion, and alower outlet portion at a second end, the upper inlet portion beingpositioned above the lower outlet portion, a turbine retained at leastpartially within the turbine housing, the turbine including a pluralityof blades coupled with a central shaft, and a fluid pump, the fluid pumpbeing coupled with the central shaft, where the fluid pump is configuredto pump a high pressure fluid, a fluid circuit, the fluid circuitincluding piping, where the high pressure fluid is retained within thepiping, and a shoreline generator, the shoreline generator being coupledwith the fluid circuit, where the shoreline generator is driven by thehigh pressure fluid that is pumped by the fluid pump in response to therotation of the turbine. The method can include positioning the moduleadjacent a low head dam, where a fluid is flowing over the low head dam,rotating the turbine with the fluid flowing over the low dam, pumpingthe high pressure fluid with the fluid pump in response to the rotationof the turbine, and driving the shoreline generator with the highpressure fluid to produce electricity.

Embodiments of a hydroelectric system for a low head dam can include amodule including a housing means retained within the protective means, aturbine means retained at least partially within the housing means, anda pump means operatively coupled with the turbine means, where the pumpmeans is configured to pump a high pressure fluid, a fluid circuitassociated with the pump means, and a generator means coupled with thefluid circuit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now bedescribed to provide an overall understanding of the principles of thestructure, function, and use of the apparatuses, systems, methods, andprocesses disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limitingembodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those ofordinary skill in the art will understand that systems and methodsspecifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features illustrated ordescribed in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combinedwith the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modificationsand variations are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “someembodiments,” “one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one exampleembodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,”“some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “in anembodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarilyall referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particularfeatures, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitablemanner in one or more embodiments.

Described herein are example embodiments of apparatuses, systems, andmethods for hydroelectric power generation. In one example embodiment, ahydroelectric power generator that can be deployed at low dams isdisclosed. In some embodiments, the hydroelectric generator can producepower from both the pressure differential created by a low dam as wellas the flow velocity of the water channel. In some embodiments, thehydroelectric generator can be self-contained in a submersible modulewhich can further be a hydraulic-hydrokinetic power production module(“HPPM”). In some embodiments, a system of hydroelectric generatorsystems or HPPMs can be deployed in a water channel to capture a largeramount of energy from the channel than one generator module can capture.In some embodiments, the hydroelectric generator module can generateelectricity during the lowest flow-rate condition of a water source. Incertain embodiments, the system can include a hydroelectric generatorthat can efficiently generate power at low dams without ecologicallydestabilizing a water channel or requiring expensive installation.

The examples discussed herein are examples only and are provided toassist in the explanation of the apparatuses, devices, systems andmethods described herein. None of the features or components shown inthe drawings or discussed below should be taken as mandatory for anyspecific implementation of any of these the apparatuses, devices,systems or methods unless specifically designated as mandatory. For easeof reading and clarity, certain components, modules, or methods may bedescribed solely in connection with a specific figure. Any failure tospecifically describe a combination or sub-combination of componentsshould not be understood as an indication that any combination orsub-combination is not possible. Also, for any methods described,regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flowdiagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified orrequired by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of stepsperformed in the execution of a method does not imply that those stepsmust be performed in the order presented but instead may be performed ina different order or in parallel.

Example embodiments described herein can beneficially capture energyfrom water channels during all flow conditions of the channel and canoperate without detrimental effect to the water channel's ecology orenvironment. For example, the flow rate, appearance, and usability ofthe water channel by boats and wildlife can remain unaffected orsubstantially unaffected by operation of the generator modules or pumpmodules described herein. Traditional hydroelectric generators, incontrast, can cause substantial fish kill due to the high speed at whichtheir turbines operate. Additionally, the present hydroelectricgenerators modules and pump modules can be easily installed with commonequipment and without the need of a coffer dam which can be bothenvironmentally damaging and costly to construct. The generators andmodules can also be installed in such a way that they do not interfereor compromise the purpose of a low dam. Such a configuration cangenerate pollution-free electricity. The installation of HPPMs on thedownstream side of an existing low dam may have no more of anenvironmental effect than that of the low dam itself. The hydraulicboils created at the foot of low dams are notorious for entrappingcanoers, kayakers, and small boats. Embodiments described herein cancover and absorb the hydraulic boils such that a no-cost low head damsafety retrofit can be provided.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a hydroelectric generator module 10 is depictedaccording to one embodiment. The generator module 10 can be watersubmersible and can be attached to, or adjacent to, a low dam 50 (FIG.3). The generator module 10 can be located on a platform 12, such as aconcrete platform, for support. The platform 12 can also assist ininstallation of the generator module 10. For example, the platform 12can include mounting points 14 that can assist in installation orremoval of the generator module 10 by common moving equipment. In someexamples, the platform 12 can additionally, or in the alternative,include shaped cavities (not shown) along a bottom surface to allow thegenerator module to be transported by a forklift or other suitablevehicle. The mounting points 14 can include hooks, rings, or any othersuitable coupling or connection. The generator modules can be designedfor easy placement and removal or, alternatively, the generator modulescan be permanently affixed or integrally coupled with a low head dam.Any suitable anchoring method is contemplated such as bolted, weighted,wedged, cemented, hinged, or welded anchoring mechanisms, for example.

The generator module 10 can have a protective enclosure 16 that canprotect internal components as well as wildlife and recreational usersof waterways. The protective cover 16 can be configured to make thegenerator module 10 look like a part of the low dam 50 to provide anaesthetically pleasing appearance. In one example, the protectiveenclosure 16 can be concrete. In another example, the protectiveenclosure 16 can be metal. In another example, the protective enclosure16 can be a ceramic material. The protective enclosure 16 can include afirst opening 17 protected by an upstream grate 18 and a second opening19 protected by a downstream grate 20 that can prevent debris fromdamaging the turbine and generator located inside. The first opening 17can allow head water from the water channel to flow through thegenerator module 10 to produce electricity. Head water can exit thegenerator module 10 through the second opening 19 after flowing throughthe internal turbine 22 (FIG. 2). The first opening 17 can be positionedabove the second opening 19 to match the direction flow of fluid overthe low head dam as illustrated in FIG. 3. The first opening 17 andsecond opening 19 can have the same dimensions or can be configureddifferently. The first opening 17 and second opening 19 can have a widthof from about 1 inch to about 2 inches in one embodiment. The firstopening 17 can have a funnel shape or any other suitable shape fordirecting water into the module 10.

Any suitable protective housing 16 is contemplated. The protectivehousing 16 can substantially surround the turbine housing 27 (FIG. 2)and can provide debris protection, increase operational safety, enhanceaesthetics, improve flow characteristics, and efficiency of thegenerator module 10. The protective housing 16 can be mass produced, orcan be designed to substantially match the flow characteristics of aparticular waterway. The protective housing 16 can improve protection ofvarious aquatic biology and can prevent damage of the turbine that canbe caused by such aquatic biology. The protective housing 16 can bemetallic, aluminum plate, light weight, and low corrosion. Theprotective housing 16 can be steel plate that is cost effective andmachinable. The protective housing 16 can be formed from metalliccastings that are cost effective and reproducible at high productionvolumes. The protective housing can include non-metallic, biologicallyinert materials that may improve environmental compatibility. Suchmaterials can include recycled plastic, which may have the advantage ofbeing low cost and environmentally friendly. Materials can include HDPE,XLPE, or other readily available, low cost materials with well-knownproperties. The protective housing 16 can include composite materialssuch as carbon fiber, which may have enhanced operational and componentforming properties. Housing coatings (not shown) may provide additionaldebris protection, increase operational safety, enhance aesthetics,improve flow characteristics and efficiency, slow deterioration, and/orimprove the protection of aquatic biology. The protective housing 16coatings can include cementacious materials, which are generallyinexpensive and can provide additional durability, carbon nanotubematerials, which can prevent adherence of biologic material, andepoxies, resins, or enamels, which can add additional strength andcorrosion resistance.

FIG. 2 depicts a partially exploded view of a generator module 10according to one embodiment with the protective enclosure 16 removed.The generator module 10 can include a turbine 22 and a generator 24. Theturbine 22 can be operationally similar to a water wheel and can includeany number of blades 29 that can project radially outward from a centralshaft 26. In one example, the turbine 22 can include six blades. Inanother example, a turbine 22 can include nine blades. In anotherexample, a turbine 22 can include twelve, or more blades. The generator24 can be a variable capacity generator that can operate over a range ofwater flow velocities. The generator 24 can be directly coupled to thecentral shaft 26 of the turbine 22 or the generator 24 can alternativelybe connected to an intermediary gearbox (not shown). The turbine 22 andgenerator 24 can operate at relatively slow speeds to prevent damage tothe ecosystem. For example, the turbine can operate at from about 20 toabout 100 RPM, from about 30 to about 60 RPM, at less than about 50 RPM,at 60 RPM, or at less than about 120 RPM. The relatively low speed canalso prevent the generator module 10 from causing fish kill. The overallefficiency of the generator module can be at least about 70%, at leastabout 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, or at least about90%. The turbine and generator can be coupled directly to the platform12 for stability, or can be coupled with the protective enclosure 16that can be selectively removable from a fixed platform 12.

The generator module 10 can have any suitable structure for a centralshaft 26. The central shaft 26 can be designed in sections from about 4feet to about 10 feet in length, for example, along the shaft axisallowing each section to be constructed with the turbine blades 29 as amodule and aligned and fitted in a turbine housing 27 with a totallength ranging from about 6 feet to about 60 feet, for example. Thecentral shaft 26 can be constructed of solid, tubular, or semi-solidmetallic, non-metallic, or composite material. The central shaft 26 canbe formed, cast, machined, extruded, or configured using any combinationof these manufacturing methods. Adjacent axial shafts can be connectedby any number of methods including, but not limited to, bolted flanges,flexible or mechanical couplings, welded joints, sleeve and key, or anycombination of these mechanisms. Turbine shaft bearings (not shown) canbe configured in any suitable manner from any suitable material such asutilizing specialized wood (Lignum Vitae) bearings, sealed steel rolleror ball bearings, full contact malleable metallic materials, or fullcontact malleable non-metallic materials. A small space or cutout (notshown) between the blades and shaft of the turbine can be provided tominimize the presence and effect of air bubbles.

The turbine 22 can be housed within the turbine housing 27, which caninclude a substantially tubular portion 32, an upper inlet portion 34,and a lower outlet portion 36. The substantially tubular portion 32 canbe sized to accommodate any suitable turbine 22. It will be appreciatedthat the tubular portion 32 is described by way of example only, whereany suitable shape is contemplated. The upper inlet portion 34 caninclude the upstream grate 18 and the lower inlet portion 36 can includethe downstream grate 20. The upper inlet portion 34 can have anysuitable size, shape, or configuration to direct the flow of fluidthrough the turbine housing 27 past the turbine 22. The upper inletportion 34 can be substantially the length of the generator module 10,can be shorter than the length of the generator module 10, or can bewider or longer than the generator module 10 with a funnel (not shown)or other mechanism for drawing fluid into the turbine housing 27. Theturbine housing 27 can include a plurality of upper inlet portions and aplurality of lower outlet portions having any suitable shape orconfiguration. In one embodiment, generator module 10 can have aflexible or pivotable protective enclosure 16 and/or turbine housing 27such that the turbine housing 27 and/or protective enclosure 16 can beadjusted relative to the flow of water over the dam 50. For example, theturbine housing 27 can be a pivoting housing relative to the platform 12to enable the upper inlet portion 34 to the turbine 22 to be at anoptimal angle relative to the adjacent dam 50 and the flow of water. Theadjustable or pivotable structure can be mechanically adjusted or, inone embodiment, can be associated with a controller that canautomatically adjust the position of the structure based upon waterflow, environmental conditions, or the like.

FIG. 3 depicts a side cross-sectional view of a generator module 10 andlow dam 50 according to one embodiment. The generator module 10 can beinstalled on the low dam 50 such that it can collect substantially allof the water flowing over the low dam 50. Installation in this mannercan allow the generator module 10 to appear as if it is part of the lowdam 50. In some examples, a protective mesh 26 can be attached to thegenerator module at about the first opening 17 and/or at about thesecond opening 19. The protective mesh can extend from the generatormodule 10 and connect an area above the first opening 17 to the low dam50. The protective mesh 26 can extend from above the second opening 19to the floor 30 of the water channel 32. The protective mesh 26materials can prevent small debris from flowing into the generatormodule and causing damage. In other examples, a single mesh can extendfrom the low dam 50 to the water channel floor 30 as a substantiallycontiguous cover to achieve substantially the same effect. Theprotective mesh 26 can be fabricated from biologically inert material,wear resistant material, can be design to withstand flood-stage debrisimpingement, and/or can be used in conjunction with a back-flow screenor great cleaning system.

FIG. 4 depicts the installation of permanent magnets 40 according to oneembodiment. Permanent magnets 40 can be installed on the turbine housing27 and turbine blades 29, where the permanent magnets 40 can assist inthe startup of the turbine 22 by causing the turbine blades 29 toexperience a slight magnetic repulsion boost each time the turbineblades 29 rotates past a permanent magnet 40 in the turbine housing 27.This can be useful in maintaining rotation at low speeds, for example.

Turbine blades 29 can be fabricated from any number of differentmaterials using any number of machining or forming processes. In eachcase, a mathematical formula based on anticipated flow rate at thespecific installation site can be used to determine the optimal bladeshape and size as well as the number of blades comprising the turbine 22for maximum efficiency versus production costs, installation costs, andfull life-cycle costs. Blade curvature and number of blades can bemathematically optimized using the blade element momentum (BEM) theory,for example, over the anticipated flow range for maximum power transferefficiency and acceptable life cycle economic costs. The BEM theory isdescribed in more detail in Hydrodynamic Design and Optimization ofHydro-Kinetic Turbines using a Robust Design Method, by Nitin Kolekar,et al., Proceedings of the 1st Marine Energy Technology Symposium, Apr.10-11, 2013, Washington, D.C., which is herein incorporated by referencein its entirety. Factors such as number of blades, tip speed ratio, typeof airfoil, blade pitch, and chord length and twist can be considered.Flow range can be considered for maximum power transfer efficiency andacceptable life cycle economic costs. Blades 29 can include metallicblades, such as aluminum blades, which can be plates, formed blades,cast blades, machined blades, bent blades, extruded blades, or the like,where such aluminum blades may be readily machineable and costeffective. Steel blades can be used that have high strength, low cost,and manufacturing familiarity. Brass or bronze blades can be used thatcan exhibit corrosion resistance. Non-metallic blades, such as carbonfiber composite and ceramic blades, can exhibit wear resistance and lowlife cycle costs. Plastics may have a low cost, high availability, andmay be biologically inert, and can include HDPE, XLPE, recycled plastic,and laminates, singularly or in combination. It will be appreciated thatany suitable combination of materials including wood, resins, plastics,metallic, and/or ceramic is contemplated.

Referring to FIG. 5, an alternate embodiment of a module 110 is shown.The module 110 can include a protective enclosure 116, a turbine 122,and a fluid pump 160. The turbine 122 can include any number of blades129 that can project radially outward from a central shaft 126. Thefluid pump 160 can be used to pump high pressure fluids, such asbiodegradable, biologically inert, or non-compressible fluids, orcombinations thereof, from the module 110 to a generator 124 (FIG. 6)positioned on the shoreline or at a distance from the module 110. Theturbine 122 can be housed within a turbine housing 127 that can have asubstantially tubular portion 132, an upper inlet portion 134, and alower outlet portion 136. The substantially tubular portion 132 can besized to accommodate any suitable turbine 122. The upper inlet portion134 can include an upstream grate 118 and the lower inlet portion 136can include the downstream grate 120. The module 110 configuration caninclude the central shaft 126 being connected to the fluid pump 160.Systems can be configured for screen or grate cleaning systems and canbe back flushed with water and/or back flushed with air. It will beappreciated that the module 110 can also be attached to a watersubmersible electric generator.

Referring to FIG. 6, a plurality of modules 110 can be coupled into apressurized fluid system 200. In the illustrated system 200, the fluidpumps 160 from each of the modules 110 can form a plurality of circuits170, where each fluid pump 160 can be connected to a header body. Fluidfrom the system 200 can be used to generate electricity from an offsiteor shore-based generator 124 or turbine. The system 200 can include asingle turbine powered pump system, a multiple pump system with combinedheader system, and can utilize any suitable flexible or rigid tubing orpiping in any suitable configuration. In an example embodiment, thesystem 200 can include one or a plurality of pressure and/or flowregulators that can maintain a substantially constant rate of flowand/or pressure to a shore-based generator or turbine. The pressureand/or flow regulator can include ball valves, or the like, having anysuitable dimensions and can include a variety of different sized ballvalves. The one or a plurality of fluid pumps associated with the system200 can pump fluid to a remote generator incorporating an internalinverter, a generator having a separate inverter, or is a pressureand/or fluid regular is used no inverter may be required. The circuits170 can include any suitable fittings, tubing, connectors, or the like.In one embodiment, the system can incorporate a pre-configured IEEE 1547standard (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Standard1547) compliment of components for grid connection. An electricalinterconnection configuration can include frequency feedback from agrid, can be designed without frequency from a grid, or can beconfigured or optimized for micro-grid applications.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system 300 having a plurality of modules 110 inseries according to one embodiment. It will be appreciated that anysuitable number, size, placement, and spacing of modules 110 iscontemplated.

Systems described herein can generate a certain minimum amount of powereven in low flow rate conditions. In addition to installation on a lowdam 50, a generator module or pump module can alternatively be installedin a water channel. In one embodiment, a generator module 10 or module110, in this example, can still generate electricity from the flow rateof the water channel as a result of the low-speed efficiency of theturbine. The generator module 10 or module 110 can operate, for example,in any water channel that has a continuous or substantially continuousflow rate such as, for example, a river, stream, creek, or waste watertreatment facility exit trough. Such a system can be useful to establisha minimum level of power production. This can be advantageous for thepresent system because renewable power sources are traditionally subjectto a wide variability in minimum generation which can necessitate thatutility companies maintain a large reserve of generating capacity. Forexample, a utility company that operates a wind farm may have tomaintain a coal plant in ready status in case the wind farm becomesinoperable due to falling wind speeds. Power generated through thesystems depicted herein may negate this issue by providing a base amountof power.

In one embodiment, a generator module or pump module, such as generatormodule 10 or module 110, can continue to generate electricity up to andduring the infrequent period when tail water converges to the same levelas head water, or zero head. Flow volume can continue to descend thecrest of the dam during this period and this kinetic energy can besufficient to generate appreciable amounts of electricity. Conventionalpressure-driven hydroelectric designs may not generate any electricityduring this period, which may minimize their overall efficiency andeffectiveness.

The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modificationsare possible in light of the above teachings. Some of thosemodifications have been discussed, and others will be understood bythose skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described inorder to best illustrate principles of various embodiments as are suitedto particular uses contemplated. The scope is, of course, not limited tothe examples set forth herein, but can be employed in any number ofapplications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in theart. Rather it is hereby intended the scope of the invention to bedefined by the claims appended hereto.

We claim:
 1. A hydroelectric system for a low head dam comprising: (a) amodule including; (i) a protective housing having a height and a width,wherein the width of the protective housing is greater than the heightof the protective housing; (ii) a turbine housing retained within theprotective housing, the turbine housing having a height and a width,wherein the width of the turbine housing is greater than the height ofthe turbine housing; (iii) a turbine retained at least partially withinthe turbine housing, the turbine including a plurality of blades coupledwith a substantially horizontal central shaft, wherein the substantiallyhorizontal central shaft of the turbine has an axis of rotation that issubstantially perpendicular to the fluid flow direction duringoperation; and (iv) a fluid pump, the fluid pump being coupled with thesubstantially horizontal central shaft, wherein the fluid pump isconfigured to pump a high pressure fluid; (b) a fluid circuit, the fluidcircuit including piping, wherein the high pressure fluid is retainedwithin the piping; and (c) a generator, the generator being spaced aparta distance from the module and operably coupled with the fluid circuit,wherein the generator is driven by the high pressure fluid that ispumped by the fluid pump in response to the rotation of the turbine. 2.The hydroelectric system of claim 1, wherein the high pressure fluid isselected from the group consisting of biodegradable fluid, biologicallyinert fluid, and non-compressible fluid.
 3. The hydroelectric system ofclaim 1, wherein the module further includes a protective mesh.
 4. Thehydroelectric system of claim 1, further comprising an upstream grateand a downstream grate associated with the turbine housing.
 5. Thehydroelectric system of claim 1, wherein the turbine housing ispivotable relative to the protective housing.
 6. The hydroelectricsystem of claim 1, wherein the turbine comprises from six to twelveblades.
 7. The hydroelectric system of claim 1, wherein the turbine isconfigured to rotate at less than fifty rotations per minute.
 8. Thehydroelectric system of claim 1, further comprising a regulator thatmaintains the high pressure fluid at a constant flow and pressure suchthat the generator is operated at a substantially constant rate.
 9. Thehydroelectric system of claim 1, wherein the piping of the circuitincludes at least a portion directed upstream of a low dam to disruptcalm water.
 10. The hydroelectric system of claim 1, further comprisinga plurality of modules associated with the fluid circuit.
 11. Thehydroelectric system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of modules arearranged in series such that the plurality of modules in series issubstantially perpendicular to a flow of water.
 12. A method foroperating a hydroelectric system comprising: providing a hydroelectricsystem including; (a) a module including; (i) a protective housinghaving a height and a width, wherein the width of the protective housingis greater than the height of the protective housing; (ii) a turbinehousing retained within the protective housing, the turbine housinghaving a height and a width, wherein the width of the turbine housing isgreater than the height of the turbine housing; (iii) a turbine retainedat least partially within the turbine housing, the turbine including aplurality of blades coupled with a substantially horizontal centralshaft, wherein the substantially horizontal central shaft of the turbinehas an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the fluidflow direction during operation; and (iv) a fluid pump, the fluid pumpbeing coupled with the substantially horizontal central shaft, whereinthe fluid pump is configured to pump a high pressure fluid; (b) a fluidcircuit, the fluid circuit including piping, wherein the high pressurefluid is retained within the piping; and (c) a generator, the generatorbeing spaced apart a distance from the module and operably coupled withthe fluid circuit, wherein the generator is driven by the high pressurefluid that is pumped by the fluid pump in response to the rotation ofthe turbine; positioning the module adjacent a low head dam such thatthe module is substantially parallel to the low head dam, wherein afluid is flowing over the low head dam; rotating the turbine with thefluid flowing over the low dam, wherein the turbine is substantiallyperpendicular to the flow of the fluid; pumping the high pressure fluidwith the fluid pump in response to the rotation of the turbine; anddriving the generator with the high pressure fluid to produceelectricity.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step ofpivoting the turbine housing relative to the protective housing suchthat flow of the fluid through the module is optimized.
 14. The methodof claim 12, further comprising a plurality of modules associated withthe fluid circuit.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the step ofrotating the turbine comprises rotating the turbine at less than fiftyrevolutions per minute.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the fluidcircuit includes a regulator that maintains the high pressure fluid at aconstant flow and pressure such that the generator is operated at asubstantially constant rate.
 17. A hydroelectric system for a low headdam comprising: (a) a module including; (i) a protective housing havinga height and a width, wherein the width of the protective housing isgreater than the height of the protective housing; (ii) a turbinehousing retained within the protective housing, the turbine housinghaving a height and a width, wherein the width of the turbine housing isgreater than the height of the turbine housing; (iii) a turbine retainedat least partially within the turbine housing, the turbine including aplurality of blades coupled with a substantially horizontal centralshaft, wherein the substantially horizontal central shaft of the turbinerotates in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flow of fluidduring operation; (iv) a fluid pump, the fluid pump being coupled withthe substantially horizontal central shaft, wherein the fluid pump isconfigured to pump a high pressure fluid; (v) a mounting platform,wherein the protective housing is detachably coupled with the mountingplatform; and (vi) at least one mounting point coupled with the mountingplatform, wherein the at least one mounting point selectively couplesthe module adjacent a low head dam such that the module can be easilyattached and removed; (b) a fluid circuit, the fluid circuit includingpiping, wherein the high pressure fluid is retained within the piping;and (c) a generator, the generator being spaced apart a distance fromthe module and being operably coupled with the fluid circuit, whereinthe generator is driven by the high pressure fluid that is pumped by thefluid pump in response to the rotation of the turbine.
 18. Thehydroelectric system of claim 17, wherein the protective housing has asubstantially horizontal aperture such that fluid can enter theprotective housing and the turbine housing retained therein.
 19. Thehydroelectric system of claim 17, wherein the turbine housing ispivotable relative to the protective housing.